An Erard Paris grand piano in an art nouveau marquetry art case, supported by a sweeping solid mahogany carved frame

Originally purchased by the family of noted French composer Louis Vuillemin, this unsigned piano bears the style of Louis Majorelle and was discovered several years ago in a dilapidated state in London. The Vuillemin family have a long association with piano making and owned a large piano factory which was an important competitor to Erard in the west of France, so it is not clear why they would purchase a piano from their rival, but the original sales records confirm this to be accurate

This piano was originally built with a plain case, with the legs and marquetry added subsequently. The legs were carved from giant cubes of solid mahogany and suspend the 250kg weight of the piano body through gravity defying angles, which is largely possible due to the innovative rim which holds the structure in tension

Over the last three years, this piano has been internally fully restored back to playing condition, and over 400 hours of work has gone into the marquetry, legs and french polishing

The marquetry wraps around the entire lid and side of the piano, depicting a scene from Wagner's opera Parsifal in which the lead character shoots a sacred swan with a bow and arrow

The piano is in excellent playing order, with a rich tone and good touch

An outstanding statement piece and without doubt one of the most striking pianos on the market today